JULY – AUGUST 2014

INDIAN COUNCIL FOR CULTURAL RELATIONS

NEWSLETTER Meetings of Statutory Bodies Dr. Karan Singh, President, ICCR Chaired the meetings of ICCR’s Governing Body and General Assembly on 8 August 2014 at which, inter alia, Annual Report and Annual Accounts of ICCR for 2013 – 2014 were approved. The meeting of the Finance Committee was held on 8 July 2014 under the Chairmanship of Shri Lalit Mansingh, Vice President, ICCR and Chairman of the Finance Committee. Cultural MoU Signed

Memorandums of Understanding were signed with Union Territory of Dadar Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu on 21 July 2014 and with Government of Assam on 21 August 2014 for cooperation in organizing cultural activities.

IORA Meeting

The 2 meeting of Core Group on Promoting Cultural Cooperation among Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) Member States' was held in Kochi, Kerala from 29 – 30 August 2014, to discuss Work Plan on Cultural Cooperation among IORA Member States. Delegates from Bangladesh, Iran, Mauritius, Oman, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, UAE and Yemen attended the meeting. The meeting, chaired by Director General, ICCR, discussed and finalized the Work Plan which includes IORA festivals of dance, music and theatre, art residency, themes of common interest for seminars, films, cuisine, exhibitions, literary works, book fair, handicrafts and conferences.

Visit of External Affairs Minister to Nepal

On 26 July 2014 the teachers and students of ICC performed Classical Vocal – Tabla Jugalbandi and Bharatnatyam Dance in honour of External Affair Minister. Smt. Sushma Swaraj, Minister of External Affairs during herofficial visit to Nepal from 25 – 27 July 2014 at the invitation of H.E. Mahendra Bahadur Pandey, Foreign Minister of Nepal.

Naming Ceremony of Amrita Sher-Gil Cultural Centre

On the occasion of Independence Day, the Indian Cultural Centre has been renamed after Amrita Sher - Gil, the well –known Indo – Hungarian painter in recognition of her contribution to strengthen cultural bonds between India and Hungary. On this occasion an exhibition sent by NGMA, New Delhi on the life and works of Amrita Sher-Gil was inaugurated. Dr Katalin Keserü, a famous Art Historian and an eminent Amrita Sher-Gil researcher in Hungary, dwelt on the life and times of Amrita Sher-Gil in Hungary.

From Cultural Centres Abroad Bangkok Curtain Raiser for Festival of India in Thailand 2015

After the successful Festival of India in Thailand 2014, cultural event was organized on 28th July 2014 at Indian Cultural Centre’s new premises where Ambassador Harsh Vardhan Shringla presented the objectives and ideas of organizing Festival of India in Thailand 2015, which is to promote and strengthen the relationship between India and Thailandthrough cultural awareness.

Lecture: The Wisdom of Bhagavad Gita

Ms. Gaurangi Devi Dasi of ‘Vrinda’ Vaishnava Templedelivered simple and clear lecture on Bhagavad Gita on 23 July 2014. Performance by ICC Students

ICC’s Bharatnatyam students performed in a function on 10 July 2014. Theatre: A Window to the World

ICC Sao Paulo was full of young school kids who came to watch the Drama ‘A Window to the World’, based on the play of famous award winning writer Tatiana Belinky on 29 August 2014. The play was directed by Ms. Karin Mellone.

ICCR Scholarship Orientation Programme

The Council admitted several students in Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU) Ananthpur, to pursue Engineering Courses in the academic year 2014-15. An Orientation Programme for the 212 newly arrived scholars was conducted by SPD (Scholarship) ICCR, on 13 August 2014at JNTU complex. They were given an in-depth briefing onvarious aspects of India including its rich cultural heritage.

Sao Paulo

Enchanting Dance and Music

At the annual Bali Art Festival, ICCR organized performances of Shri Johar Ali, Music Teacher at JNICC, Jakarta of classical raagas, semi – classical sufi & popular bollywood songs on violin; three Balinese presented Hindustani classical music on Sitar and Tabla; and a dance drama ‘Dewi Mahaakali’ was performed by Gede Agus Suparta in the medium of Odissi dance. ICC Bali also took part and presented semi-classical dance ‘Vyaktaavyakta’, with the message to foster harmony & peace.

Bali

NWCC, Bhutan Odissi Dance Performance by Ms. Pompi Paul

A 5 members Odissi dance group led by Ms. Pompi Paul sponsored by ICCR performed at the celebration of Independence Day of India at India House in Thimphu on 15 August 2014. The event was attended by members of the Royal Family, Prime Minister, Cabinet Ministers, Member of Parliaments, other senior government officials and members of the Indian community.

MACIC, Cairo Iftar Banquet

On 15 July 2014, Ambassador Navdeep Suri hosted an Iftar banquet at which around 150 guests including serving and former Egyptian Cabinet Ministers, leaders of political parties, senior officials, senior academics, artists and media representatives participated. The guests said that it always reminded them of India’s multicultural identity and the respect and tolerance for all faiths that is embedded in Indian culture.

IGCC, Dhaka Musical Evening IGCC Dhaka, in association with SBI Dhaka, organized a musical evening with singer Shakila Zafar at IGCC’s Gulshan branch as part of its regular cultural programmes on 8 August 2014. The singer has been entertaining the global audience through exquisite renditions of modern songs for the last 30 years.

Durban Nelson Mandela Birth Anniversary and Madiba Legacy

To celebrate the birth anniversary of Nelson Mandela & Madiba Legacy, ICC Durban presented a dance performance by the Shishka Dance School at the Phoenix Rydavale Grounds on 18 July 2014. Dr. Ela Gandhi of Gandhi Development Trust and Acting CGI Harsh V.S Negi were the Chief Guest of the event. Gandhi Centre, The Hague Gujarati Folk Dance Performance

ICCR sponsored Gujarati Folk Dance troupe “Saptak” gave a scintillating performance at The Gandhi Centre on 5 July 2014. The presentation enthralled guests which includedthe Diplomatic corps, Officials of the local government,Officials from the Dutch Royal House and Indian Diaspora. India Tourism, Amsterdam co - sponsored the event. 68th Independence Day Celebration

Flag hoisting ceremony was held at The Gandhi Centre on15 August 2014 on the occasion of India's 68th

Independence Day. Unfurling the national flag by Ambassador Rajesh Nandan Prasad was followed by national anthem, President's address and patriotic songs. Dhrupad Recital by Ms. Marianne Svasek On great demand, The Gandhi Centre reorganized classical evening of Dhrupad Recital by Ms. Marianne Svasek, who is one of the few women to practice Dhrupad in the Netherlands on 22 August 2014.

Signing of Statement of Intent On 14 August 2014, a Statement of Intent was signed between Dr. Janos Jelen, Rector, Dharma Gate Buddhist University, Budapest and Prof. Dr. Geshe Nawang Samten, Vice Chancellor, Central University of Tibetan Studies, Dharamashala, at Embassy premises in the presence of Ambassador Shri Malay Mishra. The Letter of Intent envisages cooperation programmes between the two institutions in the field of education, joint research, training, exchange of students, faculty and staff, exchange of materials and documents and joint workshops.

Budapest

Guyana Dance Performance by ICC Students

ICC’s dance students performed on the Occasion of the 23Caribbean Organization of Tax Administrators (COTA) General Assembly and Technical Conference and presented “Guyana Melee – An Evening of Culture”, on 22 July 2014. JNICC, Jakarta Sanur Village Festival

The Sanur Village Festival honored the memory of India’s first Prime Minister Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, who described the island of Bali as “Morning of the World”, which has been adopted by the Festival as its theme. The programme was organized on 22 and 23 August 2014 by the Municipality of Denpasar, Bali. Mr. I.B. Rai Dharmawijaya, Major of Denpasar City inaugurated the Festival. Shri Johar Ali, music teacher of JNICC performed on both days.

Kathmandu Bharatnatyam at Pashupatinath Temple

ICC Kathmandu in association with Pashupatinath Aarati Sewa Samiti organized a cultural evening followed by an Aarati on 4 August 2014 at Pashupatinath Temple. A Bharatnatyam dance was staged by the teacher and students of ICC and was witnessed by thousands of devotees and general public. Mr. Bhim Acharya, Hon’ble Minister of Culture, graced the programme as Chief Guest.

Independence Day Celebrations

Students of ICC Kathmandu participated in a cultural programme on the occasion of the 68th Independence Day of India. Students performed patriotic songs during the function which was graced by Ambassador Ranjit Rae. School children of Kendriya Vidyalaya, Modern Indian School and Nepal Army Band staged a similar musical performance during the event. Lec - Dem on Tabla for ICC students

ICC Kathmandu on 29 August 2014 organized a Lecture -Demonstration on tabla with Shri Samir Dey, Tabla Teacher at ICC. Shri Dey presented an overview of techniques and styles on the tabla for the students and enthusiasts.

Astana Celebrating India’s Independence Day

The 68th anniversary of India's Independence was celebrated at the premises of ICC Astana. The programme began with the unfurling of the national flag, which was followed by the singing of national anthem. The function was well attended by Indian community, members of the Embassy and their families.

Kuala Lumpur Painting Exhibition

Inauguration of painting exhibition themed “Mirroring the Centre” at which 24 works by Mr. Jeganathan Ramachandram was held at the ICC Multipurpose Hall on 19 July 2014. The Exhibition was inaugurated by Mr. Datuk Mahadzir Lokman, Chairman of National Visual Arts Gallery. Inauguration of “Festival of Bharatnatyam”

ICCR sponsored a 5 member Bharatnatyam dance group led by Ms. Kavitha Ramu from Chennai to participate in the “Festival of Bharatnatyam” from 1 – 3 August, 2014. Independence Day Celebration The Indian Independence Day was celebrated at India House, Kuala Lumpur. Four short vocal performances were presented by students of Global Indian International School and VIKAS International School and Ladies Wing of the Bharat Club, an association of India expatriates in Malaysia, under the guidance of ICC Carnatic Vocal teacher Ms. Mahitha Varma Suva Fiji Film Festival 2014

The Fiji Film Festival 2014 was organized by Indian Culture Center, Suva, in collaboration with Fiji National University, High Commission of India, Films Fiji and Bank of Barodafrom 18 – 26 July 2014. The Fiji Film Festival 2014 was inaugurated by High Commissioner Vinod Kumar. The movies were sent by the Publicity Division, MEA namely “Medieval Marvels and A Bruh with life” along with Bollywood block busters like ‘Bhag Milkha Bhag’, ‘Jal’ and ‘Mahabharat’ were screened during the festival.

Yangon Handshake Concert 2014

ICC Yangon organized Handshake Concert 2014 in collaboration with Embassy of India, Yangon and Rattre & Hum Music Society of Nagaland in association with National University of Arts and Culture, Ministry of Culture at National Theatre, Yangon on 5 July, 2014. The performance was well appreciated by Chief Minister of Yangon Region, Ministers, senior officials, diplomats and local audiences. Dance and Yoga Performance

A Bharatnatyam dance performance and Yoga demonstration programme was presented by the students of ICC Yangon to commemorate the 68th Independence Day of India on 15 August, 2014.

The Nehru Centre, London Lecture The Nehru Centre, London organized a lecture on “The Affective Affinities of Rabindranath Tagore and Okakura Tenshim” on 2 August 2014, which explored the idea of ‘Asia’ that provides the meeting ground for Rabindranath Tagore and the Japanese curator & art historian, Okakura Tenshim , at the turn of the last century. A Musical Evening The Nehru Centre, London organized a musical concert “Colors of Music – An ode to Western and Indian musical on the piano” by Ms. Ankita Kumar on 6 August 2014. The houseful evening culminated with medleys of fast pulsating numbers and an enchanting dance performance by the well known Kuchipudi dance Ms. Arunima Kumar.

Maldives Celebrating ICC Male’s 3rd Anniversary

ICC Male celebrated its 3rd Anniversary in Maldives on 16August 2014 at which Hon’ble Minister for Defense & National Security Mohamed Nazim was the Chief Guest and Hon’ble Minister for Environment & Energy, Mr. Thoriq Ibrahim was the Guest of Honor of the function. Teachers and students of ICC Male presented performances on Yoga,Instrumental Music and various Classical and Folk Dances of India. GTICC, Mexico Flag Hoisting Ceremony

A cultural programme comprising singing of patriotic songs and chanting of mantras, including Bollywood dance was presented by the students and teachers of the Cultural Centre on 15 August 2014 at the Flag Hoisting Ceremony. Indian community also joined the teachers and students of the GTICC to present their solo items. MGICC, Port of Spain

Celebrating India’s Independence at MGICC

At India’s 68th Independence Day Celebration at the India House the national anthem was sung by the students of the MGICC. The students of MGICC performed Bharatnatyam dance Kanda Alarippu and Krishna Padam dances on this occasion.

Seoul India in Incheon International Culture Exchange Festival

Incheon International Culture Exchange Festival, India Month was held at Jemulpo Club in Incheon from 5 – 31August 2014. Exhibitions of photos of Korean photographer Mr. Lee Geon-mo along with other Indian artifacts and traditional costumes were exhibited during the India Month which attracted a large number of visitors daily. Special lecture on India by the Director, ICC and Kathak workshop by ICC dance instructor were presented for students of Incheon to enable them to have better understanding of India. Incheon Tour and Leisure Sports Fair

As a part of Incheon Asian Games 2014, International Tour and Leisure Sports Fair was held at Samsan World Stadium in Incheon on 22 – 24 August 2014. ICC Seoul participated with Indian artifacts, promotional brochures and Indian costumes etc. to promote Indian culture to the visitors.

Kala Sandhya

The MGICC hosted “Kala Sandhya” on 12 July 2014, at whichstudents of MGICC presented authentic Indian Culture in Trinidad. Dance, Vocal and Tabla performances wereorganized by the students of MGICC. A dance presentation on Ganpati Vandana, Krishna Shabdam and a Shiva Tandava followed by vocal students singing Vrindavan Sarang and Raagas.

Suriname An Evening of Light Classical Music

ICC Suriname organized an evening of light classical music by Shri Mohd Nizam, multi – talented teacher at ICC in SIV mosque on 4 August 2014. The event was attended by a large audience. India’s 68th Independence Day On the occasion of 68th India’s Independence Day, a flag hoisting ceremony and recitation of some patriotic songs and national anthem of India was organized by music teacher and senior students of ICC. Tashkent Certificate Awarding Ceremony

Kathak Certificate Awarding Ceremony for the students of the LBSCIC Tashkent was organized on 1 August 2014. Award Ceremony was followed by performances by Kathak students from each batch presenting dances devoted to the event. Independence Day Celebration

At India’s Independence Day celebrations in Tashkent, students & teachers of the LBSCIC presented patriotic songs and dance performances.

From Our Regional Centres in India Bangalore

ICCR Bengaluru, in collaboration with Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, organized Kuchipudi Dance by Ms. Laxmi Reddy and Bharatnatyam & Mohiniyattam by Ms. Usha Datar & Group under the Horizon Series Programme in July & August 2014. Bhopal

ICCR Bhopal, organized “Bhramanaad”, a pakhawaj jugalbandi, under its Horizon Series Programme on 30 August 2014. Noted pakhawaj maestro Pt. Ravi Shankar performed jugalbandi with his son Pt. Rishi Shankar. Goa

ICCR Goa, in collaboration with Ravindra Bhavan-Margao,presented ‘A Musical Evening’ under the Horizon Series on 9 August 2014. Dr. Narasinhalu Vadavati presented Clarinet Recital and Dr. Sudhanshu Kulkarni presented Harmonium Recital. They were accompanied on Tabla by Pandit Prasun Chatterjee.

ICCR Abroad

A 5 - member Bharatnatyam Dance group led by Ms. Lavanya Ananth visited Sri Lanka to participate at the “Divine Ecstasy – III” Festival in Jaffna, to give cultural performances in Colombo from 23 – 26 August 2014.

Hyderabad

A two – day cultural festival “Natya Vadya Swara Jhari” was organized by ICCR Hyderabad in association with Pendyala Nrithya Bharathi Academy of Fine Arts from 11 – 12 August 2014. On 11 August, there was a Bharatnatyam dance performance under Horizon Series by Smt. Lakshmi Parthasarathy followed by Kuchipudi dance programme by Guru Sanagaravapu P. Bharathi and Mrudangam performance by Mylavarapu Sita Maha Lakshmi from Hyderabad. On 12 August, Smt. Lahari Kolachela from Hyderabad gave her Carnatic vocal performance under Horizon Series followed by Kuchipudi dance performance by Smt. Indumati & Students and Light Music programme by Smt. Mulakaluri Lakshmi Krishna, both from Hyderabad. Kolkata

“Calcutta Pied Piper Festival” was organised at RTC in association with Siddha Community Foundation & The Telegraph on 23 & 24 August. Twenty two groups from different parts of India and abroad participated and performed playing various kinds of wind instruments. A three member Korean Flute group sponsored by ICCR, New Delhi performed in the festival on 23 August. Maestro Bikram Ghosh, Eminent Percussionist, Shri Sanjay Jain, M.D., Siddha group, Shri Avik Saha, Chairman, Calcutta Classical Guitar Society along with Mrs. Rajashree Behera, R.D., ICCR, Kolkata inaugurated the festival.

Feedback/Contact us: Printed by: Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Azad Bhavan, I.P. Estate, New Delhi – 110002 Tel: 011 – 23379309, 23379310 Website: www.iccrindia.net Inputs: Padam Talwar, SPD, ICCR Email: splspd.iccr@nic.in Facebook: www.facebook.com/iccr.newdelhi

Cuttack

ICCR Cuttack, organized Odissi Dance Recital in collaboration with Department of Culture, Odisha, under its Horizon Series Programme on 30 August 2014.

Ahmadabad

ICCR Ahmadabad, in collaboration with Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University (PDPU), Gandhinagar, organized a cultural programme as part of the International Conference on Chemical Industry on 22 August 2014. Seventy ICCRengineering students from Mechanical, Chemical and Electrical branches were also present. Secretary, Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Govt. of India, Shri Indrajit Paul was the Chief Guest.

Appointment of ICCR Chairs abroad The academicians who have been appointed as Chairs recently are Prof. Rajeshwari Deshpande (University of Technology, Sydney, Australia), Prof. C. Panduranga Bhatta (Silpakorn University, Bangkok, Thailand), Prof. Mahesh P. Ahirwar (University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh), Prof. Ajanta Sircar (Georgetown University, Washington DC, USA) and Prof. Rajni Palriwala (Sciences Po, Paris, France). Signing of MoU with Ryukoku University ICCR and Ryukoku University, Kyoto, Japan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 16 July, 2014 for continuation of ICCR’s Chair of Indian Studies. A professor from India would be deputed to the University for one semester in each academic year to teach courses on India.

ICCR Chairs